SFC - Series 1, Lesson 15

OBJECTIVES:
1. Show how God works in a life to bring honour to that person in due time.
2. Point out the similarities between Joseph and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Teach the children to look to the Lord alone for knowledge of the future.
4. Emphasize the importance of correct behaviour that honors the Lord.

SCENE No. 1. In Pharaoh's palace.
DEVELOPMENT of the lesson: - Refer back to the story of the baker and the cupbearer in prison.
>> Cns. Although it may seem due to forgetfulness on the part of the cupbearer, two years had to go by until there was a need for someone to interpret dreams.
- The diviners, magicians, astrologers and wise men of Pharaoh's court were unable to interpret his dreams.
>> Apl. These same people exist in today's world and pretend they know the future. Yet they are incapable of truly telling what the future holds or explaining the reasons for current events.
>> Cmt. It would be well to arouse in the minds of the pupils complete distrust of crystal balls, potions, magic, horoscopes, pyramids, and any kind of astrology.
>> Cns. A question to find out if anyone in the class has any knowledge of any of this will give surprizing results.
- On remembering Joseph, the cupbearer would have to remember his own past sins, and of how good Joseph had been.
>> Apl. It is painful to recall our failures but when we do, appreciation rises in our hearts for the Lord Jesus.
- Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and shows no reluctance to do so.
>> Apl. When men have all failed, the Lord Jesus will come to bring about order, just as Joseph did.
- God is always at work behind the events of life.
- Joseph gave good advice to Pharaoh, teaching him the importance of making preparation while there was opportunity to make ready for the coming years of need.
>> Apl. Now is the time to make preparation, now is the opportunity to receive the Saviour that has been provided.
- Pharaoh accepts Joseph's advice and this brings him blessing.
- Apply this to the gospel.

SCENE No. 2. Still in the Palace.
DEVELOPMENT of the lesson:
- Because of Joseph's dependence of God, he becomes a messenger of Jehovah to communicate events that will take place in the future.
>> Apl. The Lord Jesus is the One who reveals the future, and through the Sunday School teacher, pupils receive instruction.
- Pharaoh recognizes who is Joseph's God.
- Joseph is declared second in the kingdom.
- Joseph has given God the first place in his life. Now God honors him.
- At first Joseph might feel uncomfortable dressed in royal apparel, but he retains his humility of heart.
>> Cns. The Christian also wears a royal robe, for he is a royal priest. His behaviour should be in keeping with his high and holy calling.
- Joseph's faith does not waver, but continues firm in the position of importance to which he is raised.
>> Apl. Genuine Christians today are also called to carry out their duties in places where Christ is not honoured.
- Joseph is an outstanding person, behaving generously towards the people of a nation not his own.
>> Apl. The Lord Jesus blesses not only His own people the Jews. He is also is a source of blessing for the whole world.
- Joseph lived through many years of suffering before reaching this hour, but he never lost his faith in God, and never stopped doing the will of God.
>> Apl. God honours His own when the time is right.
>> Cns. Psalm 105:17-22. Joseph now occupies the place for which God has been preparing him all these years.

SCENE No. 3.
DEVELOPMENT of the lesson:
- There are certain parallels in Joseph's life that make us think of the life of Christ.
- Philippians 2:5-11. "Christ Jesus ... made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, ... He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him .... "

JOSEPH	JESUS
1. Born in Bethlehem	Born in Bethlehem
2. Qualities recognized by the father	Honoured by the Father
3. Coat of many colours marked him as different	Various virtues made the Lord Jesus stand out amongst men.
4. Sold for 20 pieces of silver	Sold for 30 pieces of silver
5. Subjected to the will of others.	Subjected to the will of others.
6. Suffered before being exalted.	See Phi. 2:9-10
7. A throne of honour was awaiting Joseph	After suffering, is enthroned.
8. Called Saviour and Revealer of secrets.	Is Saviour and Revealer of prophetic secrets.
9. Joseph made second in the land.	Jesus is above all, the First and the Last..

Cns. Joseph used different "tunics" and each one speaks of a different stage in his life. Applied to the Lord Jesus.

1. Shepherd	Christ, the Good Shepherd
2. Servant	Lord Jesus came to serve
3. Prisoner	Arrested and taken to Calvary.
4. Enthroned	King of Kings and Lord of Lords